According to officials, the toll might increase as 10 of the injured are in critical condition. The fire was originally believed to have begun from a car parked on the ground floor, but police are investigating suspicions of an arson attack.

The fire moved to four buildings and was extinguished more than two hours later. Four fire fighting helicopters were at the site, and around 1,000 police officers were deployed to help with the rescue efforts. The building is located near a subway station and in narrow streets, causing difficulties for fire fighters to approach and put out the fire.

Most of the residents have been evacuated, but some are awaiting rescue on the roof as the fire blocked off the main entrance.